The Taunton-based Disabled American Veterans Chapter 57 held its sixth annual July Fourth ceremony on the Taunton Green featuring a symbolic bell that was rung 13 times for each of the founding colonies of the United States.

The Taunton-based Disabled American Veterans Chapter 57 held its sixth annual July Fourth ceremony on the Taunton Green featuring a symbolic bell that was rung 13 times for each of the founding colonies of the United States. The event, organized by the local veterans group, was modeled after a ceremony that originated in Philadelphia, held by the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution and its color guard in 1969 at Independence Hall.

“Taunton is the Silver City, and Taunton is a historic spot of liberty,” said Stephen Horton, commander of Chapter 57 DAV. “This is about the 13 original states starting the nation, and what took place hundreds of years ago so that we can have the nation we have today and stand on the Green to have this ceremony.”

Former Chapter 57 Commander Mort Morin started the event in Taunton, Horton said.

“It’s a service that was held throughout out the country many years ago and like a lot of patriotic events, it has mostly fallen by the wayside,” Horton said. “Many years ago this was a common practice on July Fourth. I’m sorry to say it no longer is.”

Michael Clark, of Easton, said it’s important to take a moment on Independence Day to think about the sacrifices of those who fought to earn and defend freedom for everyone in the United States to enjoy.

“It’s time for us to take a pause and celebrate today and recognize all the veterans who fought and remain in action,” Clark said. “It’s a day to be happy to be in (the) country we live in. We have our imperfections but we are still the best.”

Paul Waldron, a Marine veteran from Middleboro, said that it’s important to remind the community about their American heritage.

“Basically, what we try to do is as part of our American heritage, we are trying to remind people that, ‘Hey, the Fourth of July is more than just cookouts and the beach,’” Waldron said. “This has to do with the birth of the United States. This is what we are trying to remind people about.”

Waldron said he wished there was a great turnout for the event, but tipped his hat to the veterans and others who turned out despite sweltering heat, adding that they have “a lot of dedication.”